St. Enoch Centre has recently launched updated sensory maps for autistic people and those with learning disabilities to use while visiting the Glasgow shopping centre.

The maps were created in collaboration and partnership with Scottish Autism since 2018. They include guidance on sounds, smells, lighting and temperature changes, and will help to make the shopping centre a more accessible environment to navigate for autistic people and their families. 

St. Enoch became Scotland's first shopping centre to introduce a Quiet & Safe space for autistic people and those with sensory conditions to use and has also introduced specific 'Quiet Times' throughout the week where no music is played throughout the mall and in participating shops. 

Glasgow Kelvin MSP, Kaukab Stewart attended the launch of the updated sensory maps and learned more about the work of St. Enoch and Scottish Autism to make the shopping experience inclusive and welcoming. 

Anne Ledgerwood, Centre Director at St. Enoch Centre, said:

“Our aim is for everyone to feel welcome when they enter St. Enoch Centre. Working with Scottish Autism to implement changes to improve the shopping experience for autistic people has been invaluable for St. Enoch Centre.

"With the help of Scottish Autism, St. Enoch Centre has made changes to ensure we meet the needs of autistic shoppers and visitors. As a team, we are proud to be taking steps to make the centre a more inclusive and welcoming place.” 

Karen Wilson, Income Generation Lead at Scottish Autism, said: 

"We're delighted to continue our partnership with the St. Enoch Centre in Glasgow, providing autism awareness training to their staff and updating the sensory maps to prepare autistic people for a visit to the centre. 

"St Enoch had also taken a number of steps to support autistic people by introducing a Quiet & Safe Space for customers and holding Quiet Times during specified weekday and Sunday mornings. We are working with other shopping and entertainment centres across Scotland to develop more inclusive and welcoming environments." 

Kaukab Stewart, MSP for Glasgow Kelvin Constituency, said: 

“I was delighted to meet with Scottish Autism and St. Enoch Shopping Centre to learn first hand about their inclusive practices that cater for all visitors, especially those supporting autistic people. 

"Many people find entering such busy spaces to be a very daunting prospect, and it is wonderful to see this great collaboration to not only include but encourage anyone with sensory needs to visit the shopping centre. 

"Here, you will find maps that have been specially designed to highlight changes in lighting, temperature, sounds, and smells, and I was very impressed by the quiet space provided. Approximately one third of the population have some kind of additional need, and these kinds of adjustments can make such a huge difference to their experience.”

Scottish Autism offers training courses with opportunities to develop and build your autism knowledge. Our consultancy service provides advice and guidance for your business, on how to attract and retain autistic staff, and how to provide a welcoming and accessible environment for your autistic customers. Find out more here.